The New Jersey Watchdog reports that potential presidential candidate and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spent $82,594 at Jets and Giants games during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

No, this wasn't coming out of his $175,000/year salary -- it was spent as part of his expense advance, “an allowance of funds not otherwise appropriated and used for official receptions on behalf of the state, the operation of an official residence, for other expenses.”

The governor receives a $95,000 per year allowance, paid quarterly by the state (i.e. taxpayers).

From the report:

New Jersey’s governor traditionally enjoys free use of luxury boxes for games and other events at the government-owned venue, but food and beverages cost extra. On 58 occasions, Christie used a debit card to pay a total of $82,594 to Delaware North Sportservice, which operates the concessions at MetLife. The governor’s office did not provide any receipts, business reasons or names of individuals entertained, but defended the expense.

Assuming he went to every single home game of both the Giants and Jets, that comes out to about $2,581 per game -- on just food and beverages.

While it is important to note that the New Jersey Republican State Committee reimbursed the Treasury in March 2012 for Christie's MetLife expenses, when’s the last time you spent $2,581 at ONE sports game?

Photo Source: AP